US6724615B2 - Portable-type information apparatus - Google Patents

Portable-type information apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6724615B2
US6724615B2 US09/879,115 US87911501A US6724615B2 US 6724615 B2 US6724615 B2 US 6724615B2 US 87911501 A US87911501 A US 87911501A US 6724615 B2 US6724615 B2 US 6724615B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
connector
detachable
electronic apparatus
unit
connector unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/879,115
Other versions
US20020044412A1 (en
Inventor
Ko Kambayashi
Shigeru Hidesawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fujitsu Ltd
Original Assignee
Fujitsu Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fujitsu Ltd filed Critical Fujitsu Ltd
Priority to US09/879,115 priority Critical patent/US6724615B2/en
Publication of US20020044412A1 publication Critical patent/US20020044412A1/en
Priority to US10/397,285 priority patent/US6804113B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6724615B2 publication Critical patent/US6724615B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1675Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
    • G06F1/1677Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts for detecting open or closed state or particular intermediate positions assumed by movable parts of the enclosure, e.g. detection of display lid position with respect to main body in a laptop, detection of opening of the cover of battery compartment
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1616Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1647Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing including at least an additional display
    • G06F1/165Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing including at least an additional display the additional display being small, e.g. for presenting status information
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/06Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for computer periphery
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/005Intermediate parts for distributing signals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable-type information apparatus such as a notebook-type personal computer or a word processor, particularly to a portable-type information apparatus which is largely improved in extendability and portability.
  • Information apparatuses particularly notebook type personal computers, have often been provided with various connectors for the connection of external keyboards, mice, external CRTs, printers or others, for extending the functions thereof.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a reasonable and economical information apparatus of a portable type improved in operability and portability without deteriorating the extendability, based on a novel technical idea.
  • a portable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a detachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to the information apparatus body; connection means provided on the information apparatus body, for the connection between the connector unit and the information apparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least one battery and having substantially the same size as that of the connector unit; and wherein the battery unit and the connector unit can alternatively be connected to the information apparatus in substantially the same connecting position relative to the information apparatus body.
  • the battery unit is connected to the information apparatus body through the connection means.
  • coupling means are provided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit to the information apparatus body.
  • at least one fastener unit is mounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unit affording mechanical detachable fixation therebetween.
  • the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the information apparatus body through said at least one fastener unit.
  • the connector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
  • coupling means is provided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit to the information apparatus body.
  • at least one fastener unit is mounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween.
  • the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the information apparatus body through said at least one faster.
  • the connector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
  • a connector unit adapted to be detachably connected to a portable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a plurality of connectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units; at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to the information apparatus body; and at least one battery enclosed therein to supply electrical power to the information apparatus body.
  • connection means are provided for the connection between the connector unit and the information apparatus body and wherein coupling means is provided to supply electrical power from said at least one battery to the information apparatus.
  • at least one fastener unit is provided between the information apparatus body and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Preferably, it is detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a notebook type personal computer according to one embodiment of the present invention, in an open state;
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view as seen from a front side
  • FIG. 2B is a perspective view as seen from a rear side, of the comparator of FIG. 1, illustrating the relationship of a connector box relative to the personal computer;
  • FIG. 3A is a rear view
  • FIG. 3B is a top view
  • FIG. 3C is a front view
  • FIG. 3D is a leftside view, of the connector box
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged side sectional view of a main part of a fastener
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a connector box accommodating batteries therein;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of a battery pack.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a notebook-type personal computer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the personal computer 1 consists of a lower housing 5 which is built in a main circuit board carrying a CPU or other components, and having a keyboard 3 on the upper surface thereof, and an upper housing 9 coupled, in a hinged manner, to an edge portion (innermost side) of the lower housing 5 and having a liquid crystal display 7 in a central area thereof.
  • the upper housing 9 is folded onto the lower housing 5 to form an integral case convenient for transportation.
  • a palm rest section 11 wherein a pointing device 13 of a ball type is provided at a center thereof.
  • a hinge section 15 is provided along the innermost edge of the lower housing 5 , farthest from the operator's side beyond the keyboard 3 , for coupling to the upper housing 9 while leaving an upper surface vacant space 17 of about 20 mm wide between the hinge section and the keyboard 3 .
  • a suspend/resume key 21 is provided in a central region of the upper surface vacant area 17 .
  • the suspend/resume key 21 has a function of interrupting the supply of electric power to electronic parts, including CPU and those relating to the output/input, except for memories, so that the power consumption in the personal computer is restricted (i.e., limited) to a lower level than a normal operating power consumption level.
  • the liquid crystal display 7 of a rectangular shape and large size is provided-in a central area of the display surface of the upper housing 9 .
  • a so-called state-displaying section 31 is provided in a central region which confronts the suspend/resume key 21 of the lower housing 5 when the upper housing 9 is closed (folded) to the lower housing 5 .
  • a sound output section 33 having a number of small apertures is provided on both sides of the state-displaying section 31 .
  • the state-displaying section 31 has a function of visually displaying whether or not a predetermined electronic device, internal or external to the personal computer is operative or inoperative, and basically consists of an elongated liquid crystal substrate 35 .
  • the rear surface of the lower housing 5 has none of the various connectors for connection to external keyboards, mice, external CRTs or printers which usually are provided in the conventional notebook type personal computer, and, instead, a specially designed common connector 51 which is a combination of the above-mentioned connectors as a single unit is provided. Therefore, a space in the lower housing which would be occupied by these connectors in the conventional computer is unnecessary, and thus, miniaturization of the personal computer is possible. Further, two or more common connectors (not shown) may be provided.
  • the common connector 51 on the rear surface of the lower housing 5 (of the personal computer 1 ) is adapted to be detachably connected to a connector section 55 provided on a rectangular front surface of a connector box 53 (which is also called a port replicator) so that the connector box 53 is detachably mounted to the rear surface of the lower housing 5 .
  • a connector box 53 which is also called a port replicator
  • the connector box 53 is provided with various connectors CN on the rear surface thereof, which would be carried on the conventional personal computer.
  • the connector section 55 on the front surface of the connector box 53 consists of a terminal having 60 pins and a pair of guide pins 57 on both sides thereof for facilitating the connector engagement.
  • the guide pins 57 are engageable with corresponding guide holes (not shown) provided at corresponding positions in the lower housing and also function as grounding connectors.
  • a pair of fasteners 61 for reliably fixing the connector box 53 to the rear surface of the lower housing 5 .
  • the fastener 61 basically consists of a threaded rod 63 so as having a thread at a tip 30 end, a main body 65 accommodating the threaded rod 63 so as to be movable in the axial direction and coupled to the threaded rod 63 to be rotatable therewith, and a compression coil spring 67 mounted within the main body 65 for biasing the threaded rod 63 outwardly.
  • An enlarged disk 69 having a knurled periphery is provided in the main body 65 .
  • the connector section 55 provided on the front surface of the connector box 53 , is engaged with the common connector 51 on the rear surface of the personal computer 1 so that the rear surface of the personal computer 1 and the front surface of the connector box 53 are wholly or substantially brought into surface-contact with each other.
  • the threaded rods 63 projected from the respective sides of the front surface of the connector box 53 just confront female thread sections (fastening sections) 77 (see FIG. 2B) provided at corresponding positions on the rear surface of the personal computer 1 .
  • the thread section of the threaded rod 63 is pushed into the main body 65 against a biasing force of the compression coil spring 67 in the main body 65 of the fastener 61 , while being fittingly in contact with the female thread section 77 (that is, while maintaining a state to be easily engageable with the female thread 30 section 77 ).
  • the operator manually rotates the enlarged disk 69 , using the knurled periphery thereof, through the window 73 of the recess 71 provided on the respective end surface of the connector box 53 , in a required direction (selected in accordance with the thread direction), whereby the threaded rod 63 rotates therewith to completely screw the threaded rod 63 (thread section) into the female thread section 77 .
  • the fastener structure is adapted so that the movable threaded rod 63 is biased outwardly and rotated by the operation of the enlarged disk 69 , the fastening operation of the fastener 61 is carried out very easily in a mechanical manner. Similarly, the removal of the connector box 53 is also facilitated.
  • a connector box 53 is prepared, which is capable of being electrically coupled in a very simple manner to the personal computer by a single engagement connection (between the common connector and the connector section 55 ). Also, according to the characteristic structure of the fastener 61 provided on the respective side of the connector box 53 , mounting/dismounting of the connector box 63 can be safely and reliably carried out. Thus, there is no inconvenience in the utility and operability of electric wiring or arrangement.
  • FIG. 5 Another type connector box 83 may be provided as shown in FIG. 5, wherein cylindrical rechargeable batteries B for the extension are longitudinally accommodated in a central space of the interior of the connector box.
  • power supply lines are provided both in the common connector of the information apparatus body and the connector section 55 of the connector box 83 .
  • the arrangement of the various connectors CN, common connector, fastener or others are basically the same as those in the above connector box 53 , and therefore the explanation thereof will be eliminated herein.
  • the operative time of the personal computer can be prolonged (for example, by about 1.5 hours if three batteries B are accommodated) to facilitate both the portability and the extendability.
  • a so-called 5 (extension) battery pack 93 may be provided alternative to the connector boxes 53 and 83 described above, which has generally the same profile and size as those of the connector box 53 , but has none of the various connectors CN as are provided on the rear surface of the connector box 53 in FIG. 5 .
  • batteries B are accommodated in the interior thereof.
  • the battery pack 93 When the battery pack 93 is used, although the function-expendability inherent to a connector box is lost, the operative time of the personal computer is greatly prolonged (for example, by about 3 hours if six batteries are accommodated), which facilitates the portability of the personal computer 1 .
  • the battery pack has substantially the same profile and size as the connector boxes 53 , 83 , it is favorable in appearance and convenient in storage.
  • the connector box 53 , the connector box 83 with batteries and the battery pack 93 can be alternatively mounted to the personal computer 1 , which provides various systems constructed by the personal computer and peripheral devices thereof, and widens the user's choice.
  • the portable type information apparatus since a plurality of connectors of various kinds for the extension are removed, the apparatus can be miniaturized in size and reduced in weight. In spite of the removal of such connectors, the extendability is not deteriorated because of the provision of a common connector for coupling a connector box to the personal computer. If a fastening section is provided, the rigid fixation of the connector box becomes possible to enhance the stability and the mechanical strength. If a connector section of a connector box with batteries is coupled to the common connector, the operative time can be prolonged without deteriorating the extendability. If a battery pack is used, the operative time can be further prolonged. If the portable information apparatus is a notebook-type personal computer, the improvement in extendability and operative time enhances the utility of the personal computer.
  • the connector box according to the present invention is easily handled and can be mounted to the portable type information apparatus in a simple manner, resulting in an improvement in extendability of the portable-type information apparatus and a reduction in the weight thereof. If a fastener is provided, the connector box can be rigidly fixed to result in favorable stability and mechanical strength. If a battery is provided, it is possible to prolong the operating time without deteriorating the extendability.
  • a further prolongation of operating time of the portable type information apparatus is available. Since the battery pack is mounted to the portable type information apparatus alternatively to the connector box, various options can be adopted in accordance with the desired uses.

Abstract

A notebook type personal computer has a common connector detachably connected to a mating connector of a connection unit, or replicator, which further has plural connectors affording detachable connections to plural peripheral units. One or more fastener units, carried by the connector unit, provide for detachably but rigidly affixing the connector unit to the notebook type personal computer. An alternative connector box accommodates one or more batteries while affording connections through the common connector and the plural first connectors to peripheral units and yet another alternative connector box houses only batteries and is connectable through a mating connector to the common connector of the personal computer to afford extended operating time.

Description

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/885,857 filed Jun. 30, 1997 now 6,411,503.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable-type information apparatus such as a notebook-type personal computer or a word processor, particularly to a portable-type information apparatus which is largely improved in extendability and portability.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, miniaturization of portable-type information apparatuses such as notebook-type personal computers has been significantly accelerated due to the rapid progress of electronic technology, whereby the user can always carry the information apparatus with him even outside the office.
Information apparatuses, particularly notebook type personal computers, have often been provided with various connectors for the connection of external keyboards, mice, external CRTs, printers or others, for extending the functions thereof.
Since recently marketed notebook-type personal computers have already been miniaturized in size and weight to a large extent, it is difficult to further improve the portability without sacrificing the extendability.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a reasonable and economical information apparatus of a portable type improved in operability and portability without deteriorating the extendability, based on a novel technical idea.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a detachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to the information apparatus body; connection means provided on the information apparatus body, for the connection between the connector unit and the information apparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least one battery and having substantially the same size as that of the connector unit; and wherein the battery unit and the connector unit can alternatively be connected to the information apparatus in substantially the same connecting position relative to the information apparatus body.
Preferably the battery unit is connected to the information apparatus body through the connection means. Also, preferably, coupling means are provided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit to the information apparatus body. Preferably, at least one fastener unit is mounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unit affording mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Also, preferably, the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the information apparatus body through said at least one fastener unit. Preferably, the connector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a detachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to the information apparatus body connection means provided on the information apparatus body, for the connection between the connector unit and the information apparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least one battery and having substantially the same size as that of the connector unit, said battery unit being connectable to the information apparatus body through the connection means.
Preferably, coupling means is provided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit to the information apparatus body. Also, preferably, at least one fastener unit is mounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Preferably, the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the information apparatus body through said at least one faster. Also, preferably, the connector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
According to further aspect of the invention, a connector unit adapted to be detachably connected to a portable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a plurality of connectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units; at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to the information apparatus body; and at least one battery enclosed therein to supply electrical power to the information apparatus body.
Preferably, connection means are provided for the connection between the connector unit and the information apparatus body and wherein coupling means is provided to supply electrical power from said at least one battery to the information apparatus. Also, preferably, at least one fastener unit is provided between the information apparatus body and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Preferably, it is detachably fixed to the back side of the information apparatus body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a notebook type personal computer according to one embodiment of the present invention, in an open state;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view as seen from a front side, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view as seen from a rear side, of the comparator of FIG. 1, illustrating the relationship of a connector box relative to the personal computer;
FIG. 3A is a rear view, FIG. 3B is a top view, FIG. 3C is a front view and FIG. 3D is a leftside view, of the connector box;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side sectional view of a main part of a fastener;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a connector box accommodating batteries therein;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a battery pack.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a notebook-type personal computer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this drawing, the personal computer 1 consists of a lower housing 5 which is built in a main circuit board carrying a CPU or other components, and having a keyboard 3 on the upper surface thereof, and an upper housing 9 coupled, in a hinged manner, to an edge portion (innermost side) of the lower housing 5 and having a liquid crystal display 7 in a central area thereof. The upper housing 9 is folded onto the lower housing 5 to form an integral case convenient for transportation.
On the operator's side relative to the keyboard 3 extending in the central area of the upper surface of the lower housing 5, there is provided a palm rest section 11 wherein a pointing device 13 of a ball type is provided at a center thereof.
A hinge section 15 is provided along the innermost edge of the lower housing 5, farthest from the operator's side beyond the keyboard 3, for coupling to the upper housing 9 while leaving an upper surface vacant space 17 of about 20 mm wide between the hinge section and the keyboard 3.
In a central region of the upper surface vacant area 17, a suspend/resume key 21 is provided. The suspend/resume key 21 has a function of interrupting the supply of electric power to electronic parts, including CPU and those relating to the output/input, except for memories, so that the power consumption in the personal computer is restricted (i.e., limited) to a lower level than a normal operating power consumption level.
The liquid crystal display 7, of a rectangular shape and large size is provided-in a central area of the display surface of the upper housing 9. Generally in a lower area of the upper housing beneath the liquid crystal display 7, a so-called state-displaying section 31 is provided in a central region which confronts the suspend/resume key 21 of the lower housing 5 when the upper housing 9 is closed (folded) to the lower housing 5. A sound output section 33 having a number of small apertures is provided on both sides of the state-displaying section 31.
The state-displaying section 31 has a function of visually displaying whether or not a predetermined electronic device, internal or external to the personal computer is operative or inoperative, and basically consists of an elongated liquid crystal substrate 35.
The rear surface of the lower housing 5, has none of the various connectors for connection to external keyboards, mice, external CRTs or printers which usually are provided in the conventional notebook type personal computer, and, instead, a specially designed common connector 51 which is a combination of the above-mentioned connectors as a single unit is provided. Therefore, a space in the lower housing which would be occupied by these connectors in the conventional computer is unnecessary, and thus, miniaturization of the personal computer is possible. Further, two or more common connectors (not shown) may be provided.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the common connector 51 on the rear surface of the lower housing 5 (of the personal computer 1) is adapted to be detachably connected to a connector section 55 provided on a rectangular front surface of a connector box 53 (which is also called a port replicator) so that the connector box 53 is detachably mounted to the rear surface of the lower housing 5.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the connector box 53 is provided with various connectors CN on the rear surface thereof, which would be carried on the conventional personal computer.
The connector section 55 on the front surface of the connector box 53 consists of a terminal having 60 pins and a pair of guide pins 57 on both sides thereof for facilitating the connector engagement. The guide pins 57 are engageable with corresponding guide holes (not shown) provided at corresponding positions in the lower housing and also function as grounding connectors.
On both sides of a front wall of the connector box 53 are provided a pair of fasteners 61 for reliably fixing the connector box 53 to the rear surface of the lower housing 5.
As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 61 basically consists of a threaded rod 63 so as having a thread at a tip 30 end, a main body 65 accommodating the threaded rod 63 so as to be movable in the axial direction and coupled to the threaded rod 63 to be rotatable therewith, and a compression coil spring 67 mounted within the main body 65 for biasing the threaded rod 63 outwardly. An enlarged disk 69 having a knurled periphery is provided in the main body 65.
When the fasteners 61 are attached to a predetermined position on the opposite sides of the connector box 53, the thread of the threaded rod 63 partially projects outwardly from the front surface of the connector box 53, and the enlarged disk 69 partially projects outwardly from a rectangular window 73 formed in a recess 71 of the respective end wall of the connector box 53 (see FIGS. 3B, 3D). Since this projected amount is actually very small, the knurled periphery looks as if it is substantially flush with the end surface of connector box 53.
During the attachment of the connector box 53 to the personal computer 1 (i.e., to the lower housing 5), the connector section 55, provided on the front surface of the connector box 53, is engaged with the common connector 51 on the rear surface of the personal computer 1 so that the rear surface of the personal computer 1 and the front surface of the connector box 53 are wholly or substantially brought into surface-contact with each other. At this time, the threaded rods 63 projected from the respective sides of the front surface of the connector box 53 just confront female thread sections (fastening sections) 77 (see FIG. 2B) provided at corresponding positions on the rear surface of the personal computer 1. More specifically, the thread section of the threaded rod 63 is pushed into the main body 65 against a biasing force of the compression coil spring 67 in the main body 65 of the fastener 61, while being fittingly in contact with the female thread section 77 (that is, while maintaining a state to be easily engageable with the female thread 30 section 77).
Then, the operator manually rotates the enlarged disk 69, using the knurled periphery thereof, through the window 73 of the recess 71 provided on the respective end surface of the connector box 53, in a required direction (selected in accordance with the thread direction), whereby the threaded rod 63 rotates therewith to completely screw the threaded rod 63 (thread section) into the female thread section 77.
As described above, since the fastener structure is adapted so that the movable threaded rod 63 is biased outwardly and rotated by the operation of the enlarged disk 69, the fastening operation of the fastener 61 is carried out very easily in a mechanical manner. Similarly, the removal of the connector box 53 is also facilitated.
According to this embodiment of the above structure, since various connectors usually provided in the conventional personal computer are removed, it is possible to miniaturize an outer size of the personal computer, whereby the portability thereof is greatly enhanced. Instead of the removed connectors, a connector box 53 is prepared, which is capable of being electrically coupled in a very simple manner to the personal computer by a single engagement connection (between the common connector and the connector section 55). Also, according to the characteristic structure of the fastener 61 provided on the respective side of the connector box 53, mounting/dismounting of the connector box 63 can be safely and reliably carried out. Thus, there is no inconvenience in the utility and operability of electric wiring or arrangement.
Another type connector box 83 may be provided as shown in FIG. 5, wherein cylindrical rechargeable batteries B for the extension are longitudinally accommodated in a central space of the interior of the connector box. On the other hand, power supply lines are provided both in the common connector of the information apparatus body and the connector section 55 of the connector box 83. The arrangement of the various connectors CN, common connector, fastener or others are basically the same as those in the above connector box 53, and therefore the explanation thereof will be eliminated herein.
According to the above connector box 83 with batteries, the operative time of the personal computer can be prolonged (for example, by about 1.5 hours if three batteries B are accommodated) to facilitate both the portability and the extendability.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a so-called 5 (extension) battery pack 93 may be provided alternative to the connector boxes 53 and 83 described above, which has generally the same profile and size as those of the connector box 53, but has none of the various connectors CN as are provided on the rear surface of the connector box 53 in FIG. 5. Instead of the various connectors, batteries B are accommodated in the interior thereof.
When the battery pack 93 is used, although the function-expendability inherent to a connector box is lost, the operative time of the personal computer is greatly prolonged (for example, by about 3 hours if six batteries are accommodated), which facilitates the portability of the personal computer 1.
Since the battery pack has substantially the same profile and size as the connector boxes 53, 83, it is favorable in appearance and convenient in storage.
The connector box 53, the connector box 83 with batteries and the battery pack 93 can be alternatively mounted to the personal computer 1, which provides various systems constructed by the personal computer and peripheral devices thereof, and widens the user's choice.
While the above-mentioned embodiments are limited to the application of the present invention to a personal computer, the present invention should not be limited thereto but may be effectively applicable also to other portable-type electronic apparatuses such as a word processor.
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a very reasonable and economical portable type information which is improved in operability and portability without deteriorating the extendability. More specifically, according to the portable type information apparatus since a plurality of connectors of various kinds for the extension are removed, the apparatus can be miniaturized in size and reduced in weight. In spite of the removal of such connectors, the extendability is not deteriorated because of the provision of a common connector for coupling a connector box to the personal computer. If a fastening section is provided, the rigid fixation of the connector box becomes possible to enhance the stability and the mechanical strength. If a connector section of a connector box with batteries is coupled to the common connector, the operative time can be prolonged without deteriorating the extendability. If a battery pack is used, the operative time can be further prolonged. If the portable information apparatus is a notebook-type personal computer, the improvement in extendability and operative time enhances the utility of the personal computer.
Also, the connector box according to the present invention is easily handled and can be mounted to the portable type information apparatus in a simple manner, resulting in an improvement in extendability of the portable-type information apparatus and a reduction in the weight thereof. If a fastener is provided, the connector box can be rigidly fixed to result in favorable stability and mechanical strength. If a battery is provided, it is possible to prolong the operating time without deteriorating the extendability.
Further, according to a battery pack of the present invention, a further prolongation of operating time of the portable type information apparatus is available. Since the battery pack is mounted to the portable type information apparatus alternatively to the connector box, various options can be adopted in accordance with the desired uses.
It is to be understood that the invention is by no means limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein, and that various modifications thereof may be made which come within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (30)

What is claimed is:
1. A electronic apparatus having a body, comprising:
a detachable connector unit having a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections to peripheral units and a second connector;
a common connector on the body affording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connector unit;
a detachable battery unit having a third connector and containing-at least one battery, said detachable battery unit being connectable by the third connector thereof to the electronic apparatus.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the common connector transmits electrical power from the battery unit to the electronic apparatus.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fastener unit extending between the body and the connector unit and affording a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 3, wherein the detachable connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the body through said fastener.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector unit and the battery unit are, alternatively, detachably affixed to a back side of the electronic apparatus body.
6. A detachable connector unit, comprising:
a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections to peripheral units,
a second connector affording a detachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector of an electronic apparatus; and
a holding part, holding at least one battery, alternatively connectable by the common connector to the electronic apparatus.
7. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the battery supplies the electrical power to the electronic apparatus through the common connector.
8. The connector unit of claim 6, further comprising a fastener unit extending between the electronic apparatus body and the connector unit and affording a mechanical detachable connection therebetween.
9. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the connector unit is detachably fixed to the back side of the electronic apparatus body.
10. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the holding part accommodates the battery.
11. The connector unit of claim 10, wherein the battery supplies electrical power to the electronic apparatus.
12. An electronic apparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising:
a detachable connector unit having a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections to peripheral units, a second connector electrically connected with the plurality of first connectors and a holding part holding at least one battery; and
a third connector on the electronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connector unit.
13. An electronic apparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising:
a detachable connector unit having a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections to peripheral units, a second connector and a battery; and
a third connector on the electronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connector unit.
14. A detachable connector unit, comprising:
a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections to peripheral units;
a second connector affording a detachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector of an electronic apparatus; and
a battery connected to the second connector and supplying electrical power therethrough to the electronic apparatus.
15. A detachable connector unit having a width and comprising:
a plurality of first connectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachable connections to respective peripheral units,
a second connector affording a detachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector of an electronic apparatus; and
a holding part, holding at least one battery, alternatively connectable by the common connector to the electronic apparatus.
16. A detachable connector as recited in claim 15, wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entire width of the detachable connector unit.
17. A detachable battery unit as recited in claim 15, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus have respective, substantially planar and continuous surfaces from which the respective third and second connectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguous relationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.
18. A detachable battery unit as recited in claim 15, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus have respective, substantially equal widths.
19. An electronic apparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising:
a detachable connector unit having a width and, further, having a plurality of first connectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachable connections to respective peripheral units, a second connector electrically connected with the plurality of first connectors and a holding part holding at least one battery; and
a third connector on the electronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connector unit.
20. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entire width of the detachable connector unit.
21. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the body of the electronic apparatus and the detachable connector unit have respective, substantially planar and continuous surfaces from which the respective third and second connectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguous relationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.
22. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the body of the electronic apparatus and the detachable connector unit have respective, substantially equal widths.
23. An electronic apparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising:
a detachable connector unit having a width and, further, having a plurality of first connectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachable connections to respective peripheral units, a second connector and a battery; and
a third connector on the electronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connector unit.
24. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entire width of the detachable connector unit.
25. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the body of the electronic apparatus and the detachable connector unit have respective, substantially planar and continuous surfaces from which the respective third and second connectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguous relationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.
26. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the body of the electronic apparatus and the detachable connector unit have respective, substantially equal widths.
27. A detachable connector unit, comprising:
a plurality of first connectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachable connections to respective peripheral units;
a second connector affording a detachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector of the electronic apparatus; and
a battery connected to the second connector and supplying electrical power therethrough to the electronic apparatus.
28. A detachable connector unit as recited in claim 27, wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entire width of the detachable connector unit.
29. A detachable connector unit as recited in claim 27, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus have respective, substantially planar and continuous surfaces from which the respective third and second connectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguous relationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.
30. A detachable connector unit as recited in claim 27, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus have respective, substantially equal widths.
US09/879,115 1996-10-11 2001-06-13 Portable-type information apparatus Expired - Fee Related US6724615B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/879,115 US6724615B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2001-06-13 Portable-type information apparatus
US10/397,285 US6804113B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2003-03-27 Portable-type information apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP8-270205 1996-10-11
JP8270205A JPH10116133A (en) 1996-10-11 1996-10-11 Portable information equipment
US08/885,857 US6411503B1 (en) 1996-10-11 1997-06-30 Portable type information apparatus
JP2000375012A JP2001216055A (en) 1996-10-11 2000-12-08 Information equipment, connecting device and battery pack
JP2000374795A JP2001222343A (en) 1996-10-11 2000-12-08 Connecting device and information equipment
US09/879,115 US6724615B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2001-06-13 Portable-type information apparatus

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/885,857 Continuation US6411503B1 (en) 1996-10-11 1997-06-30 Portable type information apparatus

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/397,285 Continuation US6804113B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2003-03-27 Portable-type information apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020044412A1 US20020044412A1 (en) 2002-04-18
US6724615B2 true US6724615B2 (en) 2004-04-20

Family

ID=54325263

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/885,857 Expired - Fee Related US6411503B1 (en) 1996-10-11 1997-06-30 Portable type information apparatus
US09/879,115 Expired - Fee Related US6724615B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2001-06-13 Portable-type information apparatus
US09/988,161 Expired - Fee Related US6948966B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2001-11-19 Portable-type information apparatus
US10/397,285 Expired - Fee Related US6804113B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2003-03-27 Portable-type information apparatus

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/885,857 Expired - Fee Related US6411503B1 (en) 1996-10-11 1997-06-30 Portable type information apparatus

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/988,161 Expired - Fee Related US6948966B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2001-11-19 Portable-type information apparatus
US10/397,285 Expired - Fee Related US6804113B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2003-03-27 Portable-type information apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (4) US6411503B1 (en)
JP (3) JPH10116133A (en)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050059283A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-03-17 Chih-Kang Lo Portable electronic device and external module thereof
US20050094358A1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2005-05-05 Kiyoshi Shirato Information processing apparatus
US20100182745A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Quanta Computer Inc. Thin notebook computer
US20100182746A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Quanta Computer Inc. Thin notebook computer
US20120094528A1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2012-04-19 Matthew Leigh Vroom Docking Station for an Electronic Device with Improved Electrical Interface
US9285831B2 (en) 2009-09-17 2016-03-15 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for portable electronics
US9309698B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-04-12 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9575510B1 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-02-21 Matthew Leigh Vroom Precision docking station for an electronic device having integrated retention mechanism
US9727084B2 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-08-08 Henge Docks Llc Drivetrain for a motorized docking station
US9811118B2 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-11-07 Henge Docks Llc Secure assembly for a docking station
US9927838B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2018-03-27 Henge Docks Llc Sensor system for docking station
US10365688B1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-07-30 Henge Docks Llc Alignment sleeve for docking station
USD879780S1 (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-03-31 Gopod Group Ltd. Multi-function converter
USD887413S1 (en) * 2019-03-13 2020-06-16 Ningbo Lede Computer Technology Co., Ltd. Laptop docking station holder

Families Citing this family (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100320173B1 (en) * 1998-05-28 2002-04-22 구자홍 Portable Information Equipment
KR100583639B1 (en) * 1998-08-27 2006-08-23 삼성전자주식회사 A latch structure for attaching a battery pack to an electronic system
JP3737287B2 (en) 1998-09-14 2006-01-18 富士通株式会社 Function expansion device, component unit and electronic device
JP2000214953A (en) 1999-01-25 2000-08-04 Fujitsu Ltd Function extension device for electronic apparatus
EP1162532A4 (en) * 1999-03-10 2009-11-04 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic equipment
EP1162533A4 (en) 1999-03-11 2007-10-17 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic apparatus and electric part
JP2000349481A (en) * 1999-03-31 2000-12-15 Internatl Business Mach Corp <Ibm> Computer, cooling device therefor and computer assembly
DE10238333A1 (en) * 2002-08-16 2004-02-26 Dallmeier Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg Device of an electronic surveillance system, in particular video surveillance system
JPWO2004066131A1 (en) * 2003-01-17 2006-05-18 富士通株式会社 Information processing device
US20060089056A1 (en) * 2004-10-26 2006-04-27 Ng Kai M Device connector module
TW200640055A (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-11-16 Sony Corp Battery, charging apparatus and electronic device
US7224580B2 (en) * 2005-04-22 2007-05-29 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd Exterior enclosure for portable information processor, method of manufacturing the same, and portable information processor using the enclosure
KR20070005768A (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-01-10 삼성전자주식회사 Portable computer
TWM286465U (en) * 2005-08-10 2006-01-21 Inventec Corp Backup battery of electronic device
US20070124895A1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2007-06-07 Brown Michael E Cord management systems
US8220679B2 (en) * 2006-10-11 2012-07-17 Shimano Inc. Bicycle battery holder assembly
US7715186B2 (en) * 2007-02-20 2010-05-11 Inventec Corporation Case of extending base for electronic device
US7626814B2 (en) * 2007-07-12 2009-12-01 Dell Products L.P. System and method for information handling system battery with integrated communication ports
JP2009223432A (en) * 2008-03-13 2009-10-01 Toshiba Corp Electronic device
US7871720B2 (en) * 2008-04-30 2011-01-18 Apple Inc. Battery assembly for use in an electronic device
DE112008004007T5 (en) * 2008-08-30 2011-07-07 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Tex. Portable computer with multiple graphic displays
US8201210B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2012-06-12 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and system for a media processor
JP4840433B2 (en) * 2008-10-17 2011-12-21 パナソニック株式会社 Information processing device
US8182184B1 (en) 2008-12-05 2012-05-22 Williams-Pyro, Inc. Spring loaded gear bolt assembly and method
CN102076200B (en) * 2009-11-24 2014-11-05 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Electronic equipment
CN102478907B (en) * 2010-11-29 2014-04-16 名硕电脑(苏州)有限公司 Portable electronic device
JP5728949B2 (en) * 2011-01-06 2015-06-03 富士通株式会社 Second device
CN102736715A (en) * 2011-04-02 2012-10-17 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Battery
FR2974456B1 (en) * 2011-04-21 2014-01-17 Legrand France MULTI-APPARATUS BLOCK EQUIPPED WITH WALL MOUNTING MEANS
FR2974457B1 (en) * 2011-04-21 2014-01-17 Legrand France MULTI-APPARATUS BLOCK EQUIPPED WITH A MOBILE CONNECTOR IN TRANSLATION
US9213368B2 (en) * 2012-07-20 2015-12-15 New Concepts Development Corp. Expansion chassis for laptop computers with BUS multiplier and multifunction USB cable
US9354670B2 (en) * 2013-08-26 2016-05-31 General Electric Company Apparatus and method for pivot attachment
US20150227177A1 (en) * 2014-02-12 2015-08-13 AMES ADT, Inc. Tablet computer and method for coupling a computer cable to the tablet computer
US9293858B2 (en) * 2014-05-26 2016-03-22 Bren-Tronics, Inc. Screw down connector
USD835064S1 (en) * 2016-01-15 2018-12-04 Sony Corporation Headphone
US10468842B2 (en) * 2017-01-12 2019-11-05 Ortronics, Inc. Expandable audio visual adapter module with multi-port voltage and power management circuitry
FR3069715B1 (en) * 2017-07-25 2020-01-10 Legrand France MULTI-APPARATUS BLOCK WITH ANTI-FALSE SUPPORT ELEMENT
US10991524B2 (en) * 2019-04-10 2021-04-27 Dell Products L.P. Information handling system keyboard discrete row illumination
CN114050457A (en) * 2021-12-24 2022-02-15 深圳市欧酷特电子科技有限公司 Interface converter with high applicability

Citations (97)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5833735A (en) 1981-08-24 1983-02-28 Sony Corp Electronic device
US4680674A (en) 1984-07-16 1987-07-14 Moore Fergus E Modular computer system with integral electronic bus
JPS638960A (en) 1986-06-30 1988-01-14 Nec Corp Information processor
JPS6355655A (en) 1986-08-27 1988-03-10 Nec Corp Extension system for input/output interface
US4858162A (en) 1987-08-28 1989-08-15 Connect Computer Company, Inc. Method and apparatus used in mounting expansion cards
US4893263A (en) 1987-02-12 1990-01-09 Compaq Computer Corporation Support apparatus for portable computer expansion unit
JPH0273224A (en) 1988-09-09 1990-03-13 Hitachi Ltd Matrix type image display device
US4926365A (en) 1988-08-26 1990-05-15 Great Electronics Corporation Portable computer system
US4958889A (en) 1989-03-06 1990-09-25 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Three-position closure panel
JPH02287719A (en) 1989-04-28 1990-11-27 Seiko Epson Corp Adapter
US4978949A (en) 1989-03-06 1990-12-18 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Locking mechanism and support legs for removable display assembly
US4991058A (en) 1989-11-09 1991-02-05 Grid Systems Corporation Card housing attachment for a portable computer
US5030128A (en) 1989-03-06 1991-07-09 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Docking module
JPH03223915A (en) 1990-01-29 1991-10-02 Hitachi Ltd Power supply system and equipment connection system
JPH03269608A (en) 1990-03-20 1991-12-02 Toshiba Corp Extension unit for portable computer
JPH03294917A (en) 1990-04-12 1991-12-26 Sootec:Kk Slot board extension mechanism in function extension station for portable computer
JPH04617A (en) 1990-04-18 1992-01-06 Sootec:Kk Function extension station for portable computer
JPH0410015A (en) 1990-04-27 1992-01-14 Toshiba Corp Power supply control system
JPH0410017A (en) 1990-04-27 1992-01-14 Toshiba Corp Personal computer
JPH0418617A (en) 1990-05-11 1992-01-22 Seiko Epson Corp Portable computer
JPH0444026A (en) 1990-06-12 1992-02-13 Konica Corp Silver halide photographic sensitive material improved in pressure resistance and processing method
JPH0477809A (en) 1990-07-13 1992-03-11 Seiko Epson Corp Information processing system
JPH04101258A (en) 1990-08-20 1992-04-02 Toshiba Corp Mechanism for controlling connection of extension unit
JPH04101207A (en) 1990-08-20 1992-04-02 Toshiba Corp Power controlling system for extension unit
JPH04151704A (en) 1990-10-16 1992-05-25 Toshiba Corp Power source interface circuit for personal computer system
US5153817A (en) 1990-02-09 1992-10-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electronic apparatus system including an expansion device removably connected to a removable battery pack
US5182699A (en) 1990-06-25 1993-01-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable electronic apparatus having an interchangeable detachable battery and optional component for expanding a function
US5186646A (en) 1992-01-16 1993-02-16 Pederson William A Connector device for computers
US5187645A (en) 1991-06-07 1993-02-16 Ergo Computing, Inc. Portable computer with docking connector for peripheral devices
US5196993A (en) 1989-03-06 1993-03-23 Unisys Corp. Removable stand alone display for laptop computer
US5217394A (en) 1992-09-10 1993-06-08 Ho Ming Chiao Converter-type circuit connector for linking electronic devices
US5265238A (en) 1991-01-25 1993-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic device configuration for dockable portable computers
US5278730A (en) 1992-06-29 1994-01-11 Cordata, Inc. Modular notebook computer having a planar array of module bays
US5290178A (en) 1992-03-10 1994-03-01 Ma Hsi K Docking station apparatus for portable computer
US5301334A (en) 1990-10-19 1994-04-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Function expansion unit capable of supplying power to computer
US5311397A (en) 1992-08-06 1994-05-10 Logistics Management Inc. Computer with modules readily replaceable by unskilled personnel
EP0618525A2 (en) 1993-03-29 1994-10-05 Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.p.A. Portable electronic computer with removable disk drive
US5365230A (en) 1993-03-15 1994-11-15 Cordata, Inc. Inductively coupled keyboard
US5400055A (en) 1993-12-06 1995-03-21 Ma; Hsi K. Expansible notebook computer
US5410712A (en) 1990-10-16 1995-04-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system equipped with extended unit including power supply
US5411416A (en) 1994-07-29 1995-05-02 The Whitaker Corporation Docking connector unit
US5412538A (en) 1993-07-19 1995-05-02 Cordata, Inc. Space-saving memory module
US5428798A (en) 1989-11-29 1995-06-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system capable of connecting expansion unit
US5430609A (en) 1993-09-02 1995-07-04 Kikinis; Dan Microprocessor cooling in a portable computer
US5436792A (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-07-25 Compaq Computer Corporation Pivotable docking station for use with notepad computer systems
US5457785A (en) 1993-02-10 1995-10-10 Elonex Technologies, Inc. CPU-independent and device-driver transparent system for translating a computer's internal bus signals onto an intermediate bus and further translating onto an expansion bus
US5459637A (en) 1993-12-06 1995-10-17 Ma; Hsi K. Portable notebook computer expansion adapter
US5460547A (en) 1992-04-03 1995-10-24 Zenith Data Systems Corporation Port replicator
US5473506A (en) 1993-11-12 1995-12-05 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Cooling a large microprocessor in a small module
US5475271A (en) 1991-09-09 1995-12-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Power source control system for electronic device and expansion unit connected thereto
US5478253A (en) 1994-09-21 1995-12-26 The Whitaker Corporation Electrostatic discharge contacts for blind mating connectors
US5502838A (en) 1994-04-28 1996-03-26 Consilium Overseas Limited Temperature management for integrated circuits
US5506749A (en) 1993-07-26 1996-04-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable data-processing system having a removable battery pack replaceable with a second larger battery pack having a cylindrical member usable as a hand grip
US5522089A (en) 1993-05-07 1996-05-28 Cordata, Inc. Personal digital assistant module adapted for initiating telephone communications through DTMF dialing
US5537343A (en) 1993-09-02 1996-07-16 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Digital assistant system having a host computer with a docking bay and a moveable heat sink for cooling a docked module
US5539616A (en) 1992-06-29 1996-07-23 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Modular portable computer
US5557562A (en) 1993-09-07 1996-09-17 International Business Machines Corporation Portable computer and docking device for portable computer
US5561772A (en) 1993-02-10 1996-10-01 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Expansion bus system for replicating an internal bus as an external bus with logical interrupts replacing physical interrupt lines
US5567180A (en) 1993-07-07 1996-10-22 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cable manager system of a computer
US5579489A (en) 1993-02-10 1996-11-26 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Hand-held portable computer having capability for external expansion of an internal bus
US5580182A (en) * 1995-06-07 1996-12-03 Inventec Corporation Computer peripheral engagement/disengagement mechanism
US5583744A (en) 1994-09-06 1996-12-10 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Portable computer with detachable battery pack
US5590382A (en) 1993-03-15 1996-12-31 Elonex Ip Holdings Ltd. Personal digital assistant module having a multi-portion keyboard with inductive coupling
US5600800A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-02-04 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Personal computer system having a docking bay and a hand-held portable computer adapted to dock in the docking bay by a full-service parallel bus
US5615393A (en) 1993-03-15 1997-03-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Computer system having a cordless keyboard and an induction coil in a plug-in electronic card module
US5628031A (en) 1993-07-19 1997-05-06 Elonex Ip Holdings Ltd. Personal digital assistant module implemented as a low-profile printed circuit assembly having a rigid substrate wherein IC devices are mounted within openings wholly between opposite plane surfaces of the rigid substrate
US5633920A (en) 1994-02-10 1997-05-27 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Smart phone
US5634080A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-05-27 Elonex Ip Holdings, Ltd. Hand-held portable computer having an electroluminescent flat-panel display with pixel elements at right angles to the plane of the display and an excitation direction parallel to the plane of the display
US5640302A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-06-17 Elonex Ip Holdings Modular portable computer
US5677827A (en) * 1994-02-04 1997-10-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Notebook type personal computer and battery case
US5680126A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-10-21 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Modular portable computer
US5689654A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-11-18 Elonex F.P. Holdings, Ltd. Digital assistant system including a host computer with a docking bay for the digital assistant wherein a heat sink is moved into contact with a docked digital assistant for cooling the digital assistant
US5692199A (en) 1993-10-28 1997-11-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Personal digital assistant module having a host interconnect bus without an interrupt line and which handles interrupts as addresses associated with specific interrupts in memory
US5708840A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-01-13 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Micro personal digital assistant
US5721837A (en) 1993-10-28 1998-02-24 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Micro-personal digital assistant including a temperature managed CPU
US5721668A (en) * 1995-08-21 1998-02-24 Compaq Computer Corporation Portable computer having a pivotally mounted combined handle and power source
US5729478A (en) 1995-11-13 1998-03-17 Ma; Hsi-Kuang Notebook computer with insertable expansion devices
EP0838750A1 (en) 1996-10-24 1998-04-29 Fujitsu Limited Apparatus for supplying power from portable computer to extended station
US5752075A (en) 1993-02-10 1998-05-12 Elonex Plc, Ltd. Integrated computer Scanner printer in a single system enclosure sharing control circuitry and light source wherein a single CPU performing all of the control tasks
US5764477A (en) 1996-04-30 1998-06-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable apparatus having pack receptacle detachably containing pack device and slider partially lifting the pack device from the pack receptacle when slid from a lock position to an unlock position
US5790644A (en) 1993-05-07 1998-08-04 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Computer-to-telephone interface
US5790100A (en) 1994-03-11 1998-08-04 Elonex I. P. Holdings, Ltd. Broadcast pointer device with add-on sleeve
US5793957A (en) 1993-05-25 1998-08-11 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Satellite digital assistant and host/satellite computer system wherein coupling the host and the satellite by a host interface communication system results in digital communication and synchronization of files
US5799067A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-08-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Smart phone integration with computer systems
US5799068A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-08-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Smart phone integration with computer systems
US5805902A (en) 1993-07-02 1998-09-08 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Structure and method for issuing interrupt requests as addresses and for decoding the addresses issued as interrupt requests
US5805901A (en) 1993-07-02 1998-09-08 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Structure and method for mapping interrupt requests in a high-speed CPU interconnect bus system
US5812870A (en) 1993-09-17 1998-09-22 Eloner I.P. Holdings Ltd. Personal organizer with interface for recording digital voice files
US5835732A (en) 1993-10-28 1998-11-10 Elonex Ip Holdings, Ltd. Miniature digital assistant having enhanced host communication
US5861873A (en) 1992-06-29 1999-01-19 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Modular portable computer with removable pointer device
US5867406A (en) 1994-06-16 1999-02-02 International Business Machines Corp. Docking device for a portable computer and a method for docking a portable computer to the docking device
US5920206A (en) 1996-03-28 1999-07-06 Nec Corporation Differential ECL
US5930517A (en) 1995-08-11 1999-07-27 International Business Machines Corporation Data processing system with separable system units
JP3171312B2 (en) 1995-11-27 2001-05-28 矢崎総業株式会社 General-purpose connector
JP3223915B2 (en) 1998-05-27 2001-10-29 日本電気株式会社 Video switching synthesis device
JP3269608B2 (en) 1997-11-29 2002-03-25 エム アー エヌ ローラント ドルツクマシーネン アクチエンゲゼルシヤフト Sheet guide device in printing press
JP3294917B2 (en) 1993-09-07 2002-06-24 京セラミタ株式会社 Image forming device

Family Cites Families (52)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4654818A (en) 1983-12-16 1987-03-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Data processing device having memory selectively interfacing with computer
DD252287A3 (en) 1985-06-20 1987-12-16 Leipzig Chemieanlagen METHOD OF ATTACHING OR LOESEN SCREWABLE CONNECTIONS
JPS633516A (en) 1986-06-23 1988-01-08 Toshiba Corp Phase locked loop circuit
JPH04211815A (en) 1990-02-09 1992-08-03 Toshiba Corp Extension device for compact electronic equipment
JP2973212B2 (en) 1990-02-22 1999-11-08 株式会社ソーテック Removable hard disk drive and battery replacement structure for portable computer expansion
JPH04155419A (en) 1990-10-19 1992-05-28 Toshiba Corp Personal computer system
DE4032801C2 (en) 1990-10-16 1993-10-14 Triumph Adler Ag Plug connection arrangement for mechanical and electrical plug connection of electronic device units
US5120243A (en) * 1990-10-25 1992-06-09 Canadian Space Agency/Agence Spaciale Canadienne Alignment systems for docking of orbital replacement units
JPH04167012A (en) 1990-10-31 1992-06-15 Toshiba Corp External unit provided with connection part
JPH04195507A (en) 1990-11-28 1992-07-15 Seiko Epson Corp Function extending station and information apparatus connectable to the station
JPH04205328A (en) 1990-11-30 1992-07-27 Toshiba Corp Extended unit for lap top type personal computer
US5159533A (en) 1991-05-07 1992-10-27 Kuang Ma H Portable note-book computer expansion device with disk drives
US5098312A (en) * 1991-07-11 1992-03-24 Walter Raczynski Equipment connector
JPH0533228A (en) 1991-07-19 1993-02-09 Kanai Hiroyuki Resin traveler for spinning machine
JPH0566864A (en) 1991-09-09 1993-03-19 Toshiba Corp Extension system
JPH0566858A (en) 1991-09-09 1993-03-19 Toshiba Corp Function extending device
JPH0566867A (en) 1991-09-09 1993-03-19 Toshiba Corp Extension system
DE9113082U1 (en) * 1991-10-21 1993-02-18 Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De
JPH05225406A (en) 1992-02-07 1993-09-03 Toshiba Corp Ic card extension device
US5344335A (en) * 1992-03-03 1994-09-06 The Whitaker Corporation Latching system for electrical connectors
JPH05265591A (en) 1992-03-24 1993-10-15 Funai Electric Co Ltd Extension unit for personal computer
JPH064692A (en) 1992-06-23 1994-01-14 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Learning system for neural network
JPH0643965A (en) 1992-07-24 1994-02-18 Hitachi Ltd Information processor
JPH06138985A (en) 1992-10-30 1994-05-20 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Power upply control circuit for extension unit
JPH06266479A (en) 1993-03-15 1994-09-22 Hitachi Ltd Small-sized personal computer
US5470255A (en) 1993-03-23 1995-11-28 The Whitaker Corporation Extended height connector for a battery
US5805139A (en) 1994-01-31 1998-09-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system with standard built-in pointing device, which is connectable to optional external pointing device
JPH0876898A (en) 1994-09-06 1996-03-22 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Portable computer provided with freely attachable/ detachable battery pack
JP3407990B2 (en) 1994-09-06 2003-05-19 シチズン時計株式会社 Information processing device
KR970001062B1 (en) 1994-06-21 1997-01-25 한국과학기술연구원 High-frequency dielectric composition
JPH0822437A (en) 1994-07-06 1996-01-23 Funai Electric Co Ltd Portable information equipment
JPH0876879A (en) 1994-09-05 1996-03-22 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Information processor and its peripheral device
JPH0876889A (en) 1994-09-05 1996-03-22 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Connecting structure of information processor and peripheral device
US5536590A (en) 1994-09-30 1996-07-16 Dreisbach Electromotive, Inc. Portable battery for use externally of an electronic device
JPH08106340A (en) 1994-10-03 1996-04-23 Canon Inc Portable system
JP3057546B2 (en) * 1995-02-23 2000-06-26 モレックス インコーポレーテッド Connector assembly with guide mechanism
JPH08249242A (en) 1995-03-08 1996-09-27 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Satellite communication terminal equipment
JPH09130659A (en) 1995-08-31 1997-05-16 Nikon Corp Electronic still camera and its accessory for camera
JPH09212260A (en) 1996-02-06 1997-08-15 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Power supply device for portable information terminal equipment
JPH09275675A (en) 1996-04-03 1997-10-21 Ricoh Co Ltd Ac adaptor for electronic equipment
JPH09306451A (en) 1996-05-08 1997-11-28 Canon Inc Information processor
JP3402951B2 (en) 1996-09-10 2003-05-06 キヤノン株式会社 Electronic device and charge control method
JPH1091292A (en) 1996-09-11 1998-04-10 Canon Inc Power supply controller and method
JP3740222B2 (en) 1996-09-11 2006-02-01 キヤノン株式会社 Power supply control apparatus and method
US5779499A (en) * 1996-11-04 1998-07-14 Pitney Bowes Inc. Computer interface multiple input connecting device
US5921801A (en) * 1996-11-25 1999-07-13 Molex Incorporated Retention system for electrical connectors
JP3244013B2 (en) 1997-01-17 2002-01-07 住友電装株式会社 Wire twisting machine
JP3033729B2 (en) 1998-02-16 2000-04-17 米沢日本電気株式会社 Notebook PC with transformation function
US6273742B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2001-08-14 The Whitaker Corporation Electrical connector having a jack screw
US6059599A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-05-09 Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. Wire harness cable assembly
US6364688B1 (en) * 1999-11-17 2002-04-02 International Business Machines Corporation Thumbscrew with automatic torque-limiting feature
US6407914B1 (en) * 2000-04-11 2002-06-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Docking system for portable computer

Patent Citations (105)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5833735A (en) 1981-08-24 1983-02-28 Sony Corp Electronic device
US4680674A (en) 1984-07-16 1987-07-14 Moore Fergus E Modular computer system with integral electronic bus
JPS638960A (en) 1986-06-30 1988-01-14 Nec Corp Information processor
JPS6355655A (en) 1986-08-27 1988-03-10 Nec Corp Extension system for input/output interface
US4893263A (en) 1987-02-12 1990-01-09 Compaq Computer Corporation Support apparatus for portable computer expansion unit
US4858162A (en) 1987-08-28 1989-08-15 Connect Computer Company, Inc. Method and apparatus used in mounting expansion cards
US4926365A (en) 1988-08-26 1990-05-15 Great Electronics Corporation Portable computer system
JPH0273224A (en) 1988-09-09 1990-03-13 Hitachi Ltd Matrix type image display device
US5030128A (en) 1989-03-06 1991-07-09 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Docking module
US4978949A (en) 1989-03-06 1990-12-18 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Locking mechanism and support legs for removable display assembly
US5196993A (en) 1989-03-06 1993-03-23 Unisys Corp. Removable stand alone display for laptop computer
US4958889A (en) 1989-03-06 1990-09-25 Dynabook Technologies Corporation Three-position closure panel
JPH02287719A (en) 1989-04-28 1990-11-27 Seiko Epson Corp Adapter
US4991058A (en) 1989-11-09 1991-02-05 Grid Systems Corporation Card housing attachment for a portable computer
JPH03171312A (en) 1989-11-09 1991-07-24 Grid Syst Corp Card housing attachment for portable computer
US5440748A (en) 1989-11-29 1995-08-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system capable of connecting expansion unit
US5428798A (en) 1989-11-29 1995-06-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system capable of connecting expansion unit
US5680625A (en) 1989-11-29 1997-10-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system for avoiding coincidence of port address on a bus during expansion
JPH03223915A (en) 1990-01-29 1991-10-02 Hitachi Ltd Power supply system and equipment connection system
US5153817A (en) 1990-02-09 1992-10-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electronic apparatus system including an expansion device removably connected to a removable battery pack
JPH03269608A (en) 1990-03-20 1991-12-02 Toshiba Corp Extension unit for portable computer
JPH03294917A (en) 1990-04-12 1991-12-26 Sootec:Kk Slot board extension mechanism in function extension station for portable computer
JPH04617A (en) 1990-04-18 1992-01-06 Sootec:Kk Function extension station for portable computer
US5126954A (en) 1990-04-18 1992-06-30 Sotec Company, Limited Function expansion station for a portable computer
JPH0410015A (en) 1990-04-27 1992-01-14 Toshiba Corp Power supply control system
JPH0410017A (en) 1990-04-27 1992-01-14 Toshiba Corp Personal computer
JPH0418617A (en) 1990-05-11 1992-01-22 Seiko Epson Corp Portable computer
JPH0444026A (en) 1990-06-12 1992-02-13 Konica Corp Silver halide photographic sensitive material improved in pressure resistance and processing method
US5182699A (en) 1990-06-25 1993-01-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable electronic apparatus having an interchangeable detachable battery and optional component for expanding a function
JPH0477809A (en) 1990-07-13 1992-03-11 Seiko Epson Corp Information processing system
JPH04101207A (en) 1990-08-20 1992-04-02 Toshiba Corp Power controlling system for extension unit
JPH04101258A (en) 1990-08-20 1992-04-02 Toshiba Corp Mechanism for controlling connection of extension unit
US5410712A (en) 1990-10-16 1995-04-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Computer system equipped with extended unit including power supply
JPH04151704A (en) 1990-10-16 1992-05-25 Toshiba Corp Power source interface circuit for personal computer system
US5301334A (en) 1990-10-19 1994-04-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Function expansion unit capable of supplying power to computer
US5430883A (en) 1990-10-19 1995-07-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Function expansion unit capable of supplying power to computer
US5265238A (en) 1991-01-25 1993-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic device configuration for dockable portable computers
US5187645A (en) 1991-06-07 1993-02-16 Ergo Computing, Inc. Portable computer with docking connector for peripheral devices
US5475271A (en) 1991-09-09 1995-12-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Power source control system for electronic device and expansion unit connected thereto
US5186646A (en) 1992-01-16 1993-02-16 Pederson William A Connector device for computers
US5290178A (en) 1992-03-10 1994-03-01 Ma Hsi K Docking station apparatus for portable computer
US5460547A (en) 1992-04-03 1995-10-24 Zenith Data Systems Corporation Port replicator
US5689654A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-11-18 Elonex F.P. Holdings, Ltd. Digital assistant system including a host computer with a docking bay for the digital assistant wherein a heat sink is moved into contact with a docked digital assistant for cooling the digital assistant
US5640302A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-06-17 Elonex Ip Holdings Modular portable computer
US5634080A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-05-27 Elonex Ip Holdings, Ltd. Hand-held portable computer having an electroluminescent flat-panel display with pixel elements at right angles to the plane of the display and an excitation direction parallel to the plane of the display
US5861873A (en) 1992-06-29 1999-01-19 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Modular portable computer with removable pointer device
US5600800A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-02-04 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Personal computer system having a docking bay and a hand-held portable computer adapted to dock in the docking bay by a full-service parallel bus
US5799068A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-08-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Smart phone integration with computer systems
US5799067A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-08-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Smart phone integration with computer systems
US5539616A (en) 1992-06-29 1996-07-23 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Modular portable computer
US5278730A (en) 1992-06-29 1994-01-11 Cordata, Inc. Modular notebook computer having a planar array of module bays
US5680126A (en) 1992-06-29 1997-10-21 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Modular portable computer
US5331509A (en) 1992-06-29 1994-07-19 Cordata, Inc. Modular notebook computer having a planar array of module bays and a pivotally attached flat-panel display
US5708840A (en) 1992-06-29 1998-01-13 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Micro personal digital assistant
US5311397A (en) 1992-08-06 1994-05-10 Logistics Management Inc. Computer with modules readily replaceable by unskilled personnel
US5217394A (en) 1992-09-10 1993-06-08 Ho Ming Chiao Converter-type circuit connector for linking electronic devices
US5619659A (en) 1993-02-10 1997-04-08 Elonex Ip Holdings Ltd. System for extending ISA bus without using dedicated device driver software by using E2 P2 interface which provides multiplexed bus signal through standard parallel port connector
US5752075A (en) 1993-02-10 1998-05-12 Elonex Plc, Ltd. Integrated computer Scanner printer in a single system enclosure sharing control circuitry and light source wherein a single CPU performing all of the control tasks
US5457785A (en) 1993-02-10 1995-10-10 Elonex Technologies, Inc. CPU-independent and device-driver transparent system for translating a computer's internal bus signals onto an intermediate bus and further translating onto an expansion bus
US5561772A (en) 1993-02-10 1996-10-01 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Expansion bus system for replicating an internal bus as an external bus with logical interrupts replacing physical interrupt lines
US6137591A (en) 1993-02-10 2000-10-24 Elonex Plc Integrated computer and image reproduction system
US5579489A (en) 1993-02-10 1996-11-26 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Hand-held portable computer having capability for external expansion of an internal bus
US5590382A (en) 1993-03-15 1996-12-31 Elonex Ip Holdings Ltd. Personal digital assistant module having a multi-portion keyboard with inductive coupling
US5615393A (en) 1993-03-15 1997-03-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Computer system having a cordless keyboard and an induction coil in a plug-in electronic card module
US5365230A (en) 1993-03-15 1994-11-15 Cordata, Inc. Inductively coupled keyboard
EP0618525A2 (en) 1993-03-29 1994-10-05 Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.p.A. Portable electronic computer with removable disk drive
US5522089A (en) 1993-05-07 1996-05-28 Cordata, Inc. Personal digital assistant module adapted for initiating telephone communications through DTMF dialing
US5790644A (en) 1993-05-07 1998-08-04 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Computer-to-telephone interface
US5793957A (en) 1993-05-25 1998-08-11 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Satellite digital assistant and host/satellite computer system wherein coupling the host and the satellite by a host interface communication system results in digital communication and synchronization of files
US5805901A (en) 1993-07-02 1998-09-08 Elonex I.P. Holdings Ltd. Structure and method for mapping interrupt requests in a high-speed CPU interconnect bus system
US5805902A (en) 1993-07-02 1998-09-08 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Structure and method for issuing interrupt requests as addresses and for decoding the addresses issued as interrupt requests
US5567180A (en) 1993-07-07 1996-10-22 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cable manager system of a computer
US5628031A (en) 1993-07-19 1997-05-06 Elonex Ip Holdings Ltd. Personal digital assistant module implemented as a low-profile printed circuit assembly having a rigid substrate wherein IC devices are mounted within openings wholly between opposite plane surfaces of the rigid substrate
US5412538A (en) 1993-07-19 1995-05-02 Cordata, Inc. Space-saving memory module
US5506749A (en) 1993-07-26 1996-04-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable data-processing system having a removable battery pack replaceable with a second larger battery pack having a cylindrical member usable as a hand grip
US5537343A (en) 1993-09-02 1996-07-16 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Digital assistant system having a host computer with a docking bay and a moveable heat sink for cooling a docked module
US5430609A (en) 1993-09-02 1995-07-04 Kikinis; Dan Microprocessor cooling in a portable computer
US5557562A (en) 1993-09-07 1996-09-17 International Business Machines Corporation Portable computer and docking device for portable computer
JP3294917B2 (en) 1993-09-07 2002-06-24 京セラミタ株式会社 Image forming device
US5436792A (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-07-25 Compaq Computer Corporation Pivotable docking station for use with notepad computer systems
US5812870A (en) 1993-09-17 1998-09-22 Eloner I.P. Holdings Ltd. Personal organizer with interface for recording digital voice files
US5835732A (en) 1993-10-28 1998-11-10 Elonex Ip Holdings, Ltd. Miniature digital assistant having enhanced host communication
US5692199A (en) 1993-10-28 1997-11-25 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Personal digital assistant module having a host interconnect bus without an interrupt line and which handles interrupts as addresses associated with specific interrupts in memory
US5721837A (en) 1993-10-28 1998-02-24 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Micro-personal digital assistant including a temperature managed CPU
US5473506A (en) 1993-11-12 1995-12-05 Elonex Technologies, Inc. Cooling a large microprocessor in a small module
US5400055A (en) 1993-12-06 1995-03-21 Ma; Hsi K. Expansible notebook computer
US5459637A (en) 1993-12-06 1995-10-17 Ma; Hsi K. Portable notebook computer expansion adapter
US5677827A (en) * 1994-02-04 1997-10-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Notebook type personal computer and battery case
US5633920A (en) 1994-02-10 1997-05-27 Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. Smart phone
US5790100A (en) 1994-03-11 1998-08-04 Elonex I. P. Holdings, Ltd. Broadcast pointer device with add-on sleeve
US5502838A (en) 1994-04-28 1996-03-26 Consilium Overseas Limited Temperature management for integrated circuits
US5867406A (en) 1994-06-16 1999-02-02 International Business Machines Corp. Docking device for a portable computer and a method for docking a portable computer to the docking device
US5411416A (en) 1994-07-29 1995-05-02 The Whitaker Corporation Docking connector unit
US5583744A (en) 1994-09-06 1996-12-10 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Portable computer with detachable battery pack
US5478253A (en) 1994-09-21 1995-12-26 The Whitaker Corporation Electrostatic discharge contacts for blind mating connectors
US5580182A (en) * 1995-06-07 1996-12-03 Inventec Corporation Computer peripheral engagement/disengagement mechanism
US5930517A (en) 1995-08-11 1999-07-27 International Business Machines Corporation Data processing system with separable system units
US5721668A (en) * 1995-08-21 1998-02-24 Compaq Computer Corporation Portable computer having a pivotally mounted combined handle and power source
US5729478A (en) 1995-11-13 1998-03-17 Ma; Hsi-Kuang Notebook computer with insertable expansion devices
JP3171312B2 (en) 1995-11-27 2001-05-28 矢崎総業株式会社 General-purpose connector
US5920206A (en) 1996-03-28 1999-07-06 Nec Corporation Differential ECL
US5764477A (en) 1996-04-30 1998-06-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Portable apparatus having pack receptacle detachably containing pack device and slider partially lifting the pack device from the pack receptacle when slid from a lock position to an unlock position
EP0838750A1 (en) 1996-10-24 1998-04-29 Fujitsu Limited Apparatus for supplying power from portable computer to extended station
JP3269608B2 (en) 1997-11-29 2002-03-25 エム アー エヌ ローラント ドルツクマシーネン アクチエンゲゼルシヤフト Sheet guide device in printing press
JP3223915B2 (en) 1998-05-27 2001-10-29 日本電気株式会社 Video switching synthesis device

Non-Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Windows 95-Libretto 20," Mobile PC, vol. 2, No. 6, Jun. 1, 1996, pp. 25-29 (with English language translations of relevant parts of article).
Anthony, Robert S. "Color Pentium Notebooks: On the Road with the Pentium", PC MAGAZINE, Jan. 23, 1996, pp. 101-103.
ASCII DOS/V ISSUE, A Monthly Magazine of DOS/V Computer, vol. 2, No. 9, Sep. 1996, p. 139 (Japanese Magazine with English language translation).
ASCII DOS/V ISSUE, A Monthly Magazine of DOS/V Computer, vol. 8, No. 13, Aug. 1996, p. 210 (Japanese magazine with English language translation).
ASCII, A Monthly Magazine of Home & Office Computer Science, vol. 5, No. 227, May 1996 (Japanese magazine with English language translation).
ASCII, A Monthly Magazine of Home & Office Computer Science, vol. 6, No. 228, Jun. 1996, pp. 330-331 (Japanese magazine with English language translation).
MOBILE PC, Jul. 1996, pp. 86-87 (Japanese magazine with English language translation).
MOBILE PC, Mar. 1996, pp. 102-103 (Japanese magazine with English language translation).
Research Disclosure No. 333 "Integral Distributed Battery Pack for Portable Systems", Jan. 1996. (English Abstract).

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050059283A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-03-17 Chih-Kang Lo Portable electronic device and external module thereof
US7258548B2 (en) * 2003-09-17 2007-08-21 Benq Corporation Portable electronic device and external module thereof
US20050094358A1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2005-05-05 Kiyoshi Shirato Information processing apparatus
US20100182745A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Quanta Computer Inc. Thin notebook computer
US20100182746A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Quanta Computer Inc. Thin notebook computer
US20130137298A1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-05-30 Matthew Leigh Vroom Docking Station for an Electronic Device with Improved Electrical Interface
US20120094528A1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2012-04-19 Matthew Leigh Vroom Docking Station for an Electronic Device with Improved Electrical Interface
US8512080B2 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-08-20 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
US8512079B2 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-08-20 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
US20130303012A1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-11-14 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
US8585443B1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-11-19 Henge Docks, LLC Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
US20140038450A1 (en) * 2009-09-17 2014-02-06 Henge Docks Llc Docking Station for an Electronic Device with Improved Electrical Interface
US8882545B2 (en) * 2009-09-17 2014-11-11 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
US9285831B2 (en) 2009-09-17 2016-03-15 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for portable electronics
US9309698B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-04-12 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9725930B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2017-08-08 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US10459486B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2019-10-29 Brydge Technologies LLC Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9593510B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2017-03-14 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9650814B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2017-05-16 Henge Docks Llc Alignment and drive system for motorized horizontal docking station
US9663977B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2017-05-30 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9927838B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2018-03-27 Henge Docks Llc Sensor system for docking station
US9347245B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-05-24 Henge Docks Llc Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
US9811118B2 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-11-07 Henge Docks Llc Secure assembly for a docking station
US9727084B2 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-08-08 Henge Docks Llc Drivetrain for a motorized docking station
US9575510B1 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-02-21 Matthew Leigh Vroom Precision docking station for an electronic device having integrated retention mechanism
US10365688B1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-07-30 Henge Docks Llc Alignment sleeve for docking station
USD879780S1 (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-03-31 Gopod Group Ltd. Multi-function converter
USD887413S1 (en) * 2019-03-13 2020-06-16 Ningbo Lede Computer Technology Co., Ltd. Laptop docking station holder

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2001222343A (en) 2001-08-17
JP2001216055A (en) 2001-08-10
US20020027770A1 (en) 2002-03-07
US6804113B2 (en) 2004-10-12
US6948966B2 (en) 2005-09-27
US20020044412A1 (en) 2002-04-18
US6411503B1 (en) 2002-06-25
JPH10116133A (en) 1998-05-06
US20030184962A1 (en) 2003-10-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6724615B2 (en) Portable-type information apparatus
US5901035A (en) Rotating battery hinge for a notebook computer
US5579528A (en) Computer system employing docking bay with spring loaded connector pins and file coherency method
US6563702B1 (en) Portable computer equipped with add-on battery
US5440448A (en) Electronic system with compact card ejector
US6456488B1 (en) One inch notebook computer
US6385041B1 (en) Electronic device with battery pack
EP0463001A1 (en) Locking mechanism and support legs for removable display assembly
US6332658B1 (en) Lock device for expansion unit in computer
US7891995B2 (en) Electronic device with hidden I/O interface module
CA2011436A1 (en) Locking arrangement for a battery pack
US20040066611A1 (en) Computer keyboard with backup battery
US6639790B2 (en) Power supply module in a portable computer
US20020158601A1 (en) Battery module that further serves as a handle for a portable computer
JP4096385B2 (en) Information processing device
JP2816318B2 (en) Electronics
JP2000112565A (en) Portable information equipment
JP2004021451A (en) Electronic equipment
JP4594483B2 (en) Electronics
JPH09114544A (en) Portable electronic equipment
KR100504110B1 (en) A structure for connecting a portable communications terminal to a computer system
KR0140470Y1 (en) Folding apparatus for notebook computer
JPH10214134A (en) Electronic equipment for extension
KR20060032518A (en) Port-replicator having battery for portable computer
JP2000228879A (en) Bar ac adapter and hand-held information apparatus using the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
CC Certificate of correction
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20120420